Residential Childcare Practitioner - Silver Birches

East Sussex County Council; St Leonards; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

East Sussex County Council is recruiting a Residential Childcare Practitioner for our homes in St Leonards. You will support children with complex needs, contribute to their development and wellbeing, and lead on projects such as healthy eating.

We offer a comprehensive induction, an apprenticeship in the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, with off-the-job training and fees covered by the Council. There are development opportunities to progress within the service.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and young people.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an integrated childcare team.
• Commitment to safeguarding and confidentiality at all times.

Responsibilities

• Support children's development and wellbeing.
• Lead on specialist areas and projects (e.g., healthy eating).
• Work with families and carers to help children thrive.
• Maintain professional standards and confidentiality.

Skills

Experience with children

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Safeguarding

Education

Level 3 Diploma

Job description

Do you want to make a difference to the most vulnerable children in care and help them flourish and achieve their potential? If so, this could be the role for you!

We are currently recruiting staff for our homes based in St Leonards.

As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will work with the children who often have complex needs as well as their families. You will support the children's development and wellbeing. You can also take a lead on specialist areas and projects such as healthy eating to support improvements across the service. This role gives you the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in East Sussex.

We understand that the great care we provide is down to the great staff we have. We provide a comprehensive induction process to teach you all the skills and knowledge you need. We also provide an apprenticeship in the level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, with off the job training time and all course fees paid for by the Council. If you want to develop a career working with children there are also a range of development opportunities, including further apprenticeship opportunities to support your career aspirations.

We are looking for people who:

• Have experience working with children and young people
• Are interested in child development and eager to learn
• Can work effectively as part of an integrated childcare team
• Treat residents with dignity and respect, maintaining confidentiality at all times

Progression to Single Status 8 requires that you already have a level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare or equivalent, and that you will take on additional responsibilities

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

Unfortunately, we are unable to progress applications of people who are on a visa or require sponsorship at this time.

Interviews will take place in person at St Mary's House on Tuesday 13 October.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

All staff are trained and supported to deliver their roles professionally, with a strong focus on safeguarding. You’ll work in a role where your vigilance, respect, and professional curiosity help keep children safe, supported, and able to thrive.

"There are a whole range of different skills people can bring to the role. I find the work very rewarding and enjoy the variety this type of work brings." -Gary, Day Service Support Worker

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Mandy McDonald – [e-mail]

A workforce for the community, from the community.

We warmly welcome applications from all sections of the community. We but particularly encourage those from group that are underrepresented in our current workforce:

Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, those who are disabled, men and those who identify as LGBTQ+. We are working towards recruiting a workforce that reflects our community because we recognise the unique skills, experience and perspective that each individual brings.

For putting your skills to good use, choose East Sussex!